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Lung Cancer

Cancer originating in the tissues of the lungs is simply called Lung Cancer. It is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the Western World in both men and women. Similar to other cancers, lung cancer occurs after continual exposure by carcinogens (cancer causing agents) to the lung cell's genetic material. The most common source of these carcinogens is tobacco smoke, which causes about 85% of all lung cancer deaths. Other carcinogens known to cause lung cancer are found in the workplace. These are well documented, and include asbestos in shipbuilders and other asbestos workers, bischloromethyl ether and chloromethyl ether in chemical workers, arsenic in copper smelting, and radon for uranium and fluorspar miners (as well as some risk in some private residences).

The classification of lung cancer is by the type of cell present in the tumor. Generally they are referred to as non-small cell carcinomas. The most common type worldwide are squamous cell or epidermoid carcinomas, and adenocarcinomas, and large cell carcinomas. The small cell carcinoma (including the subtypes oat cell and intermediate) make up about 20% to 25% of lung cancers; and unfortunately has often metastasized by the time it is detected. Metastatic lung cancer usually spreads to the brain, bone, liver, or bone marrow.

Generally the symptoms of lung cancer are persistent cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness, blood in the sputum, and pain. Lung cancer cells can produce hormones or other substances that can create a systemic imbalance resulting in other symptoms. Also if the cancer is Metastatic, there will be symptoms from the organs invaded.

Lung cancer may be diagnosed by a variety of tests, including chest X rays, bronchoscopy, biopsy (a fine needle is inserted through the skin and into the lung). Other tests may be made to evaluate if the cancer has become Metastatic. These tests include both CAT scans and MRI). Of special interest is a new CAT-scanning technique (helical low-dose CAT-scanning) that is used for the initial diagnosis as it can detect small tumors before they begin to metastasize.

As in other cancers, lung cancer is staged according to its location, size, cell type, and spread. Treatment is determined by comparing the stage of the cancer with the person's general state of health.

Today's treatment of lung cancer follows a pattern of surgical removal of the tumor alone or in combination with either external-beam radiation (and now radio x-ray therapy) and/or chemotherapy using one or more anticancer drugs. A new technique called photodynamic therapy is sometimes used when the cancer is still localized. A special substance is injected into the body that makes cells more sensitive to light. The substance quickly passes out of the cells, but remarkably remains in the cancer cells. The cancer can then be destroyed by the use of a special laser.

The most effective lung cancer preventive is not starting to smoke, or quit at once. It is well established that the risk of lung cancer in ex-smokers begins to decline about five years after quitting, and only after 15 to 20 years their risk is 80% less than that of smokers. Under study in many institutions world-wide is the preventive role of dietary antioxidants. Their value has yet to be established however. There are other alternative methods of herbal medicine that have similar clams as the dietary antioxidants.